Lucci Lambrusco Secco is a dry sparkling red wine from Emilia-Romagna, Italy, bottled at 11.5% ABV in a 750ml format. Rated 91 points by James Suckling—who highlighted its vivid fruit, fine bubbles, and lively structure—this Lambrusco represents a serious, food-friendly side of a category too often dismissed as sweet and simple. Quick Facts: ABV: 11.5% | Origin: Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna, Italy | Style: Secco (Dry) | Producer: Fifth-Generation Winemaker Production & Heritage Lucci Lambrusco Secco is produced by a fifth-generation winemaking family in Reggio Emilia, a sub-region at the heart of Lambrusco country. The blend draws equally from two indigenous grapes—50% Lambrusco Salamino and 50% Lambrusco Marani—grown in clay-rich soils that lend the wine notable structure and depth. Vinified using the Charmat method in stainless steel tanks, fermentation is carefully managed to preserve bright aromatics while achieving minimal residual sugar, resulting in a genuinely dry expression. The sustainable winery prioritizes freshness and varietal character over sweetness, placing Lucci firmly in the modern, quality-driven Lambrusco movement. Tasting Notes Aroma: Dark berries and cassis sorbet lead the nose, followed by red flowers and a subtle earthy undertone. The aromatics are vibrant and immediate, setting up expectations of fruit intensity without heaviness. Taste: The palate opens with a juicy burst of cherry, strawberry, and raspberry, carried by fine, persistent bubbles. Mid-palate, cranberry and floral notes emerge alongside lively acidity that keeps the wine taut and focused. A distinctive dusty texture gives the medium body an appealing grip uncommon in sparkling reds at this weight. Finish: Clean, refreshing, and persistent, with lingering red fruit and a gentle mineral edge. The acidity carries through to the close, leaving a dry, energizing impression that invites the next sip. How to Drink Lucci Secco Serve lightly chilled, around 55–60°F, to let the fruit and bubbles express themselves fully without muting the wine's earthy complexity. Lucci Secco also shines as a versatile cocktail ingredient: try it in a Lambrusco Spritz with Aperol and a splash of soda for a lighter take on the classic; in a Kalimotxo, where its dry profile and fine bubbles add sophistication to the Spanish red wine and cola combination; or in a Sbagliato in place of Prosecco, where its red-fruit character and deeper color create a richer, more aromatic variation. Best For Pairing with charcuterie boards and Italian salumi spreads Introducing wine drinkers to the dry, quality side of Lambrusco Casual weeknight dinners that call for something lively and low-fuss Warm-weather gatherings where a chilled red sparkling wine stands out from the usual rosé Frequently Asked Questions What does Lucci Secco taste like? Lucci Secco delivers a juicy core of cherry, strawberry, and raspberry wrapped in fine bubbles and framed by bright acidity. It finishes dry and refreshing with a subtle mineral edge and a distinctive dusty texture. How does Lucci Secco compare to sweet Lambrusco styles like Riunite? Lucci is vinified to a Secco (dry) designation with minimal residual sugar, making it significantly less sweet and more structured than mass-market semi-sweet Lambruscos such as Riunite. Its 91-point James Suckling score and Charmat-method production from estate-grown Salamino and Marani grapes place it in a different quality tier entirely. Is Lucci Secco good for pairing with food? Its bright acidity, fine carbonation, and dry profile make it exceptionally food-friendly, cutting through rich and fatty dishes while complementing tomato-based sauces, cured meats, and aged cheeses. Where is Lucci Secco made? Lucci Lambrusco Secco is produced in the Reggio Emilia zone of Emilia-Romagna, northern Italy, a region historically synonymous with Lambrusco production. The grapes are grown in clay soils that contribute to the wine's structure and depth. What foods pair well with Lucci Secco? Prosciutto di Parma and other cured meats mirror the wine's Emilian roots; pizza Margherita benefits from the acidity cutting through mozzarella; Parmigiano-Reggiano amplifies the earthy, savory notes; grilled sausages match the wine's berry fruit and tannic grip; and mushroom risotto complements its subtle earthiness. What sizes does Lucci Secco come in? Lucci Lambrusco Secco is available in the standard 750ml bottle format. Is Lucci Secco worth the price? Lucci positions as a premium entry point into quality dry Lambrusco, and its 91-point James Suckling rating reflects strong critical validation at a price tier that remains highly accessible for everyday drinking. Why Lucci Secco? Lambrusco has undergone a dramatic quality renaissance, and Lucci Secco sits at the leading edge. The equal blend of Salamino and Marani grapes—each contributing distinct fruit character and structural backbone—grown in clay soils and vinified dry via the Charmat method, produces a wine with more complexity and grip than most sparkling reds near its price. The 91-point score from James Suckling confirms what the glass already tells you: this is a Lambrusco built for the table, not the punch bowl. For anyone ready to move past outdated perceptions of the category, Lucci makes a compelling and immediately rewarding case.
